Worksheet: Geography (Class 9)
Chapter 2 – Shaping of the Earth
Section A – Very Short Answer (1 mark each)
(Answer in one or two sentences)
- What is meant by shaping of the Earth?
- Name the two main types of forces responsible for shaping the Earth.
- What are endogenic forces?
- What are exogenic forces?
- Which is the outermost layer of the Earth?
- What is the main composition of the core?
- What are tectonic plates?
- Define weathering.
- Define erosion.
- Name any one agent of erosion.
Section B – Short Answer (2–3 marks each)
- Differentiate between internal and external forces.
- Write any two characteristics of the crust.
- Explain the role of convection currents in the mantle.
- What happens at a divergent boundary?
- What is a convergent boundary?
- Explain physical weathering with an example.
- How do rivers cause erosion?
- What are glaciers? How do they shape landforms?
- Write any two differences between weathering and erosion.
- What are coastal landforms?
Section C – Long Answer (4–5 marks each)
- Describe the three layers of the Earth.
- Explain the theory of plate tectonics and movement of plates.
- Describe the different types of weathering.
- Explain the agents of erosion and their role in shaping landforms.
- Describe the formation of fold mountains and volcanic mountains.
- Explain the formation and importance of plains.
- Describe different types of plate boundaries with examples.
Section D – Case-Based Questions
Case Study 1: Life in the Himalayan Region
Rohit lives in a village in the Himalayas, where the land is full of high mountains and deep valleys. These mountains were formed millions of years ago when two tectonic plates collided. Even today, the plates are slowly moving, making this region prone to earthquakes.
During the rainy season, heavy rainfall loosens the soil and rocks on the slopes, leading to landslides. Sometimes roads get blocked, and houses are damaged. In winter, heavy snowfall may cause avalanches, which are dangerous for people living in the mountains.
The rivers flowing from glaciers cut deep valleys, forming V-shaped valleys in some areas. These rivers also carry sediments and deposit them in lower areas, helping in the formation of fertile plains far away.
Despite the risks, people continue to live here because of natural beauty, tourism, and availability of water resources.
Questions:
How were the Himalayas formed?
Why is the Himalayan region prone to earthquakes?
What are landslides and why do they occur in this region?
Name two natural disasters common in mountainous areas.
How do rivers help in shaping landforms?
Case Study 2: Life Along a River Plain
Sita lives in a village located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, one of the most fertile regions in India. The land here is flat and suitable for farming. Rivers flowing through this region bring sediments from mountains and deposit them, forming rich alluvial soil.
Farmers grow crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane. The availability of water and fertile soil makes agriculture very productive. Due to these advantages, many people live in this region, making it densely populated.
However, during the monsoon season, rivers sometimes overflow and cause floods. Floods can damage crops, houses, and roads. Even though floods cause destruction, they also deposit fresh fertile soil, which is beneficial for farming.
People have started building embankments and using early warning systems to reduce the damage caused by floods.
Questions:
How are river plains formed?
Why is the Indo-Gangetic Plain densely populated?
What are the advantages of living in river plains?
What problems do floods cause?
How can flood damage be reduced?
Case Study 3: Life in the Desert Region
Aman lives near the Thar Desert, where the climate is very hot and dry. This region receives very little rainfall, and water is scarce. The land is mostly covered with sand, and vegetation is very limited.
Wind is the main agent shaping the land here. Strong winds carry sand from one place to another, forming sand dunes. Sometimes, dust storms occur, making it difficult to see and breathe.
Due to lack of water, people depend on wells and canals for their daily needs. Farming is difficult, but some crops like millet can grow in such dry conditions.
Despite harsh conditions, people have adapted to desert life by building houses that protect them from heat and by conserving water carefully.
Questions:
Why does the Thar Desert receive very little rainfall?
What is the main agent of erosion in deserts?
What are sand dunes?
What problems are caused by dust storms?
How do people adapt to desert conditions?
Section E – Map/Diagram-Based Questions
- Draw and label the layers of the Earth (Crust, Mantle, Core).
- Draw a diagram showing different types of plate boundaries.
On a world map, mark any four major tectonic plates:
- Pacific Plate
- Eurasian Plate
- African Plate
- Indo-Australian Plate
Section F – Assertion and Reason:- For each question, choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Assertion (A): Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces.
Reason (R): Weathering involves transportation of materials.
Assertion (A): Mountains are formed due to internal forces.
Reason (R): External forces build up landforms.
Assertion (A): Rivers form V-shaped valleys.
Reason (R): Rivers erode land vertically in their upper course.
Section G – Fill in the Blanks
- The innermost layer of the Earth is called the ________.
- The movement of tectonic plates is caused by ________ currents.
- Breaking of rocks without movement is called ________.
- Wind is an important agent of erosion in ________ regions.
- ________ plains are formed by river deposition.
Section H – Match the Following
Column A Column B
(a) Fold Mountains (i) Flat-topped land
(b) Plateau (ii) V-shaped valley
(c) River Valley (iii) Formed by collision
(d) Desert (iv) Low rainfall
Section I – CreativeThinking
- Why is the Earth’s surface called dynamic?
- How do internal and external forces work together to shape the Earth?
- Why are plains densely populated compared to mountains?
- What would happen if there were no erosion on Earth?
Section J – Activity-Based Questions
- Collect pictures of different landforms (mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus) and paste them in your notebook with labels.
- Make a model showing the layers of the Earth using clay or paper.
- Observe your surroundings and identify any signs of weathering or erosion. Write your observations.
